Blog

Helping Your Dog Beat the Heat

Summer is winding down, but the hot weather isn’t going away just yet. Although many of our furry friends love the warm weather, heat can be tough on Fido. Read on as a local Los Gatos, CA vet discusses helping your dog beat the heat.

Water

First and foremost, make sure Fido always has plenty of fresh, cool, water, and is getting enough to drink. Your pup may enjoy a doggy water fountain. On hot days, put an ice cube into your pet’s water dish, to keep it cool for him.

Safety

When it’s really hot out, try to keep Fido inside during the hottest part of the day. Walk and play with him in the mornings and evenings, when it’s cooler out. Also—we cannot state this enough—never leave your dog in a vehicle by himself. Temperatures in a closed car can reach deadly levels in just minutes!

Cool Treats

Fido can enjoy some doggy ice cream, which you can get at pet stores or supermarkets. You can also make your pooch some pupsicles, by freezing doggy biscuits and sodium-free broth in waxed paper cups or an ice cube tray. Instant tail wags!

Swimming

If your furry friend likes the water, indulge him with fun trips to beaches or doggy-friendly swimming pools. Just be very careful when bringing Fido swimming. Never leave your dog unattended near water. Also, avoid areas with strong currents or heavy wakes. If you’re going to a pool, make sure your pup knows where the stairs are.

Kiddie Pool

Why not get Fido a kiddie pool to splash around in? You can use the water for your plants after he has finished playing.

Grooming

Brushing Fido regularly will also help keep him cool. This is because removing the dust, dirt, and dander from your pet’s fur will maximize the insulating properties of his coat.

Paw Care

If you’ve ever stepped barefoot onto hot sand or tar, you know how painful that is. Keep Fido on soft ground, and use paw balm to protect his furry feet.

Beds

Did you know that raised beds stay cooler than regular ones? This is because they let air move beneath them. Get Fido a cool, comfy doggy bed!